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The team is joined by GuestKats Mirko Brüß, Rosie Burbidge, Nedim Malovic, Frantzeska Papadopolou, Mathilde Pavis, and Eibhlin Vardy

Thursday, 13 July 2017

It is with huge sadness that the IPKat team reports the sudden death of Theo Savvides on Monday following a cycling accident on holiday in France.

Theo was a talented lawyer, kind friend and wonderful colleague to many (including to at least two of the Kat team) over the course of his career.

After studying biochemistry at the University of York, Theo started his career at Allen & Overy, qualifying in 1994, where GuestKat Stephen Jones worked with the then young associate on a mixture of IP litigation cases. Stephen remembers Theo as

"a hard worker, keen to learn and a pleasure to work with. I was glad to see him achieve such success throughout his career."

Other colleagues from his A&O days recall that they could never have a conversation with "The O" (as he was known to some) without there being a great deal of good humour and laughter in the conversation, no matter how difficult the legal problem at hand. They find it hard to think of him without recalling his smile and infectious laugh; he was such a kind man.

After a healthy 10 year stint, Theo was lured to Osborne Clarke as a partner where his work grabbed headlines (and numerous IPKat posts) in the almighty adword saga between Interflora and Marks & Spencer. Ray Berg, Managing Partner at Osborne Clarke, commented that:

"Theo was a great friend and colleague to all at Osborne Clarke and we're devastated that he has passed away. Theo was a lovely person to work with: conscientious, collegiate and fun, as well as being a hugely talented lawyer. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and love are with Theo's family and his friends during this difficult time."

Theo joined Bristows in 2014, where he continued his trade mark and digital disputes practice and quickly rose up the ranks to Joint Managing Partner in 2016. His increasingly busy schedule saw him bounding, with characteristic energy, across the firm and often past the AmeriKat's door with such gusto that papers would flutter across her desk. Theo was a huge support and champion to IP associates, mentoring and encouraging their professional and personal development throughout their careers. Bristows' commented that:

"Theo was respected and admired not only for his considerable talents, but also for his kindness, patience and willingness to listen to others. Theo strove tirelessly to be the best that he could be – as a lawyer, partner, manager and friend - and in doing so he enriched the lives of all those around him."

I worked with Theo when he was a trainee at A&O. He was helping out on a huge real estate deal which involved very long hours. He was always so cheerful, and his smile, enthusiasm and jokes made us all feel better. A lovely man. Condolences to his family.

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